Australian
Defence officials have revealed that at least two possible contenders
for the navy's new submarine fleet, the Spanish S-80 and French Scorpene
class boat, have been ruled out of the future submarine project.

Answering questions on notice from Opposition spokesman David Johnston,
Defence said both vessels did not meet "Australia's broad needs
as outlined in the Defence White Paper".

They are smaller than the Collins and the White Paper calls for
12 larger submarines to cost up to $36 billion.